Much amore for Buona Forchetta Encinitas

It’s such
a pleasure as a writer when a column flows from my mind like conversation with
a good friend. And even easier when that content is glowing and I’m excited to
describe every little detail of a recent dining experience.

The
original Buona Forchetta in South Park has been on the San Diego foodie radar since
2013 and it was not uncommon for North County folks to make the drive down to
sample their culinary delights.

I had the
pleasure of hosting owner Matteo Cattaneo on Lick the Plate on KPRI when they
opened and remember his passion and energy for his endeavor. I also distinctly
recall the fabulous meal and the almost universal level of shared enthusiasm
from other guests. And while I was saddened to see the Bird House Grill close a
few years back, when I noticed that Buona Forchetta was going to occupy that
space it made the loss much easier to take.

That
seemed like a big tease though as it took almost two years to transform the
space and get it open. It was well worth the wait though, but as evidenced by
the full houses every night of the week (except Tuesday when they are closed)
their loyal local fan base and new devotees are already on it.

The
new location at 250 N. Coast Highway 101 is intimate, just 1,100 square feet
with a small side patio. In the kitchen, beyond a glass partition, sits the
eatery’s now-famous, gold-tiled pizza oven. Their authentic Neapolitan wood-fired
pizza requires a special oven and this one is the same as their other locations
made with materials capable of handling the high temperatures required to get
that perfect crust. To keep their regular customers happy, they have kept the
menu in line with the South Park location; all of the favorites are present,
along with some additional seafood dishes.

So
for those of you who are unfamiliar with Buona Forchetta who may be skeptical
about another wood-fired Italian joint opening in an area crowded with them … well,
this one is different. Besides the fact that I would be happy eating everything
on the menu, (except I’m not about to ask for their gluten-free pizza crust,
that just seems wrong) there is a fun energy to the place. The staff is prompt
and friendly and as I mentioned about my South Park experience, you can sense
that patrons are really enjoying their experience.

We
started with the Artichoke and Polpettine appetizers that worked very nicely
together. Polpettine is a mini meatball
known as somewhat of an Italian street food made of beef and pork, tomato sauce
and Parmesan. They were both simple yet a very satisfying way to start the
meal.

For
my entrée I went with a beautiful bone-in Veal
Chop Milanese that was breadcrumb crusted and covered in greens. It was
heavenly. My companion had the seafood risotto that was loaded with shrimp,
clams and mussels and was perfect as well.

I came back the next day to
interview manager Giuseppe Annunziata for Lick the
Plate on The Mighty 1090 and stuck around for a lunch of one of their
delightful salads. The Rustica has mixed greens, prosciutto di parma,
artichokes and gaeta olives and was one of those perfect salads that satisfies
but does not weigh you down. Yes, Buona Forchetta is open for lunch as well and
that might be your best time to give it a try without a wait as they only take
reservations for tables of six or more.

It should go without saying that
the pizzas are the stars here and they have a lot of options to choose from.
The pasta menu is set up so you pick your type of pasta and a sauce to go with
it along with the traditional ravioli, lasagna, risotto and gnocchi.

There is a nice selection of
wines by the glass and bottle along with a full bar and some fun cocktails
including my favorite the Italian Drop with Russian Standard, Limoncello and
lemon juice.

Dessert
includes house-made Gelato, Tiramisu, Delizia Di Bosco, Cannoli, Chocolate
Mouse and special surprises from Nonna when she is in the kitchen. So yeah, I
really like this place and it will make my annual list of new favorites on the
North County dining scene

Buona Forchetta is located at 250 N. Coast Highway 101 and is open from noon to 3 p.m. for lunch and starting at 4:30 for dinner, every day except Tuesdays. More at www.buonaforchettanc.com